Alfa Romeo is celebrating Casey Stoner’s 2007 MotoGP World Championship title with the launch of a limited edition Alfa Romeo 147, the first Alfa Romeo in Australia to be fitted with the Q2 differential, the most powerful turbo diesel engine ever fitted to a 147 and the finesse of an electronically adjustable accelerator pedal.

Alfa Romeo, which is the official vehicle supplier to the Ducati Team, is sending just 20 Alfa Romeo 147 Ducati Corse cars to Australia, each powered by the new JTD-M version of Alfa Romeo Multijet Turbo Diesel engine, which boasts 127 kW. This is enough to thrust the 147 Ducati Corse to 100 kmh in just 8.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 215 kmh.

The driver can fine tune the this performance via an accelerator pedal that, at the flick of a switch, changes its mapping to offer a sharper, race-track tuned response. To get the power down onto the road, the 147 Ducati Corse employs the Q2 differential system. Using a Torsen (TORque SENsing) differential, the Q2 system provides a constantly and continuously variable locking differential that cuts understeer, balances the handling and enables the tyres to do a much more effective job, which given that this 147 also has a unique style of alloy wheel with 225/40 R18 tyres, will mean a substantial lift in both handling and road holding.

In addition to the drivetrain changes, the Alfa Romeo 147 Ducati Corse is also instantly recognizable thanks not just to the unique alloy wheels, but also with its distinctive Ducati badging, satin finish door mirrors, red brake calipers, rear spoiler and, inside, sports instruments, aluminium pedals and sports seats upholstered in black leather with red stitching.

As with all versions of the Alfa Romeo 147, the 147 Ducati Corse also comes with a wealth of standard equipment, including ABS with EBD, VDC with brake assist, cruise control, split climate AirCon, electric windows and an advanced audio system with remote control buttons on the steering wheel.

The Alfa Romeo 147 Ducati Corse is available in three individual colours – Etna Black, Ice White and Giulietta Red – and has a recommended retail price of $41,098.